Head Start / EarlyLearn NYC

Our Head Start centers provide low-income children ages 3 to 5 with a safe, stimulating environment that encourages cognitive, social, and emotional development. We emphasize hands-on, play-based learning that teaches children academic concepts in ways that make sense to them and get them excited about school.

We also support parents as primary caregivers so that they are able to encourage their children’s development on their own.
All of our sites serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. We instill healthy habits both by teaching about them in the classroom in hands-on activities—such as growing vegetables—and by offering food that’s cooked on the premises and exceeds nutritional requirements.
Our programs have been recognized by National Head Start as a model program for implementing best practices for dual-language learners; by the Department of Education and NYC Administration for Children’s Services for our exemplary approach in supporting the emotional wellness of children; and by Bank Street College of Education, which selected one of our programs to be featured in an iBook series as a model of social-emotional development integration.
Centers operate Monday-Friday, full-day, year-round, and on holidays. We accept children through a variety of funding sources, including Universal Pre-K, EarlyLearn NYC, and child care subsidies.

Special services: Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) for 4-year-olds; early childhood mental health services, coordination of services for children with special needs, parenting classes, health and nutrition services

Ages accepted: 3 to 5 years

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Bengali

Public transportation: #7 subway to 103rd or 111 Street, Q48 to 108 Street and 34th Ave

About The Child Center of NY

The Child Center of NY began in 1953 as a children’s counseling center in Queens. Today, we are a powerful community presence throughout NYC, reaching more than 26,000 children and their families each year. Our mission is to strengthen children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. We guide children from birth to adulthood with evidence-based, innovative programs that engage them with school and help them become secure, capable, and confident.